GREATER MEMPHIS ARTS COUNCIL FUNDS DANCE WORKS FOR 20TH YEAR
Release written by Pat O’Brien

Once again, Dance Works, Inc., based at Southwest’s Union Avenue Campus,
has received funding from the Greater Memphis Arts Council to provide
scholarships for students who otherwise could not afford the classes.
“We were ranked in the top category for funding again this year. It
means about two-thirds of our students will receive subsidies,” said
Karen Zissoff, executive director of the ballet school. She said
scholarships are awarded according to need, using the free-lunch
programs in Memphis City Schools as the guide for eligibility.

Also once again, Dance Works is receiving support from the Tennessee
Arts Commission for the 2006-07 school year to bring in well-known guest
instructors throughout the season. Among them will be Wayne Smith, who
has a Master in Dance (Modern) from Ohio State University, now teaching
at Spelman College in Atlanta; Dr. Mel Tomlinson, former professional
dancer with NYC Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and Dance Theater of Harlem; and
Sharona Rubinstein, who has a Master in Dance from UCLA, freelance
teacher with the Erik Hawkins Style of Modern Dance.

“I am excited about the way the new season is shaping up,” said Zissoff.
“This will be a beautifully well rounded program for these students to
experience. We will be conducting Master Classes throughout the visits
of the guest instructors in October, January and April to enhance their
experience.”

Registration is under way for the Fall semester, and classes will begin
September 5 for students 4 to 22 years of age. For information and
appointment to register, call (901) 333-5174.